THE CONCEPT OF FREEDOM BY KANT AND MILL

Abstract

The notion of freedom is one of those concepts that many attempts have been made to explain and define.
This notion has been used in different social constellations. Depending on the historical period, this notion has been
the subject of significant scrutiny and discussion. Thus, freedom was used in different meanings: freedom as a
philosophical, theological, legal, economic, political and social concept. Among other things, it can be said about
freedom that as a concept it has acquired a wide meaning in the philosophical and social literature. In this sense, the
Oxford Political Dictionary defines freedom "as the absence of interference or hindrance". It even makes it clear to
us that because of the importance given to the ideas of freedom, every aspect of its characterization in the definition
is objectionable. On the other hand, the Dictionary of Philosophy defines freedom as: "the possibility for man to
think, behave, act, decide, or choose according to his own desire, without any external compulsion, push, or
violence." From this we understand that the definitions mentioned here can be contradictory aspects of freedom in
other conceptions. In this essay will be examined the concept of freedom according to Kant and Mill. First, the
concept of freedom according to Kant will be addressed, where it will be highlighted in which contexts Kant used
the word freedom. Likewise, the definition of freedom and how Kant related freedom to morality will be examined.
Whereas, in the next part, the concept of freedom according to Mill will be examined, where it will be noted that
Mill was an individualist, who saw society only as a community of individuals determined by their nature and
actions. In this part, the conditions that must exist for an individual or society to be called free will also be
examined. While, in the last part, a parallel will be drawn to the examination of the concept of freedom according to
Kant and Mill. This part consists of three main points, which try to reflect a comparison of the concept of freedom
between them. In general, Kant and Mill's concept of freedom will be the basis of examination to support the
examination of freedom in their different contexts.
To understand the freedom of Kant and Mill in more detail, it is necessary to have a comparative elaboration of the
freedom between them. Unlike Mill, Kant thought that true freedom is not possible in the material and empirical
world, where causality rules. Kant talked about transcendental freedom, which is the autonomous activity of man
determined by personal laws. Whereas Mill meant that the very principle of freedom requires selfless efforts to
improve human behavior and character, which contradicts Kant. In Mill's utilitarian view, the concept of freedom
and other moral principles derive their character and meaning from the goal of happiness, while Kant argues
otherwise.